Our warrior, Ludwig’s fund

Our son, Ludwig was born on the 11th of October 2017 at 30 weeks, IUGR 26 weeks due to his mom having Pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Unfortunately, Ludwig had several medical complications and was only given a 30% chance for survival.

To everyone's surprise, Ludwig came home after being in the NICU for 7 weeks weighing only 1.9kg. After many checkups, sonars, special injections Ludwig was extremely healthy for such a premature baby.

During early 2020 Ludwig became non-verbal and we took him to an ENT (ear, throat, and nose specialist). Unfortunately, Ludwig had a severe infection in both ears and received grommets. Because of the speech delay, we took him for assessments and he started receiving Occupational and Speech therapy weekly.

In 2021 we placed Ludwig in a small school where he receives intensive attention and love. But to us, something still felt "off". In July 2021 we went to see a Pediatric Neurologist in Pretoria and Ludwig was diagnosed with ASD (Autism). Due to Ludwig being born so premature he developed brain bleeds and this is the cause of his autism that severely affects his speech. This was a complete shock to us and felt like our world was ripped right from under us.

Unfortunately, due to all the specialists and therapies, our medical aid is now completely depleted. Currently, Ludwig receives therapy weekly, he's on new expensive medications for ASD to help him, he needs follow-up appointments with his neurologist and we are looking into getting him a companion/therapy dog. Our medical aid will pay for some of his treatments again in January 2022.

Golden retrievers are known as the best companions/therapy dogs for children with ASD but unfortunately they are very expensive in South Africa. We have done extensive research and truly feel that Ludwig would benefit immensely from it.

Ludwig is such a big beaming light in our lives. He has this incredible ability to soften any heart with hugs, laughter, and his big smile. We want to continue to help him by going to therapy, getting the right medications, and having a dog that can help soothe him and by whom he just feels safe when overwhelmed.

Our main goal is to continue with his early intervention so that he will be able to function "normally". We have a small window of 4 years to push through to help him as much as possible.

If you're able, we'd love it if you could donate any amount to help us with his future treatments.

Thank you for taking the time to read our warrior's story, this means the world to us as his parents.

Andras & Mariska Brauns